Youth Cricket Thriving in Katy

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Founders Sudheer Kannantha (left) and Dhaval Mehta (right) along with youth team

KATY: It all started as coaching the basics of cricket for 4 kids in November 2013 and in less than a year, Katy Youth Cricket (KYC); a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization has grown to more than 50 kids actively learning cricket through various coaching programs as well as playing competitive cricket in tournaments. KYC’s strong foundation was laid by Dhaval Mehta and Sudheer Kannantha, who both had a dream to provide a platform to children to continue the legacy of this gentleman’s game.

Triggers Colts Cricket League(TCCL), the only youth league in greater Houston area is amazed by the progress and the community impact by this Katy organization. TCCL Director Surya Saladi said “KYC is a very well organized and well managed youth cricket club in greater Houston area and sets an example for any youth sports organization”.

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In 2014, KYC’s team “KYC Super Kings” proved their metal by winning the first ever Youth Tournament held in Houston. KYC youngsters won runners-up trophy in Smart Choice Cricket Cup Tournament, held along with Houston Cricket League(HCL) final in August 2014. KYC Eagles (U-12) and KYC Falcons (U-10) teams secured their berth in finals in the 2014 TCCL Winter League and won runners-up trophy in their respective age groups. Apart from the successful tournaments, KYC also organized various coaching camps that included well known international cricketers like former Indian Women’s Cricket player Rajeshwari Antani and former West-Indian all-rounder Ricardo Powell.

Speaking about the future plans, KYC’s President Sudheer Kannantha said “ We are focused on creating unique learning programs, a sound value system and an environment for participants to develop compassionate cricketers of tomorrow who are proud of the game, its heritage, culture, history and are ready to play in a big league…”.

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Coaching under the watchful eyes of former USA Captain Sushil Nadkarni

 KYC aims at building strong foundation through various coaching programs and prepare the kids for the next level of challenge at US Central West Region and US National cricket championships. KYC has launched three different programs to encourage youth cricket and cater to  its member skill-set: Leather Ball Program, Taped Ball Program and Rookie Program. The goal of these coaching programs is for children to learn basic cricket skills in a structured but fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

The Leather Ball program is headed by Sushil Nadkarni (Fmr. Captain, USA National Cricket Team). Sushil Nadkarni is an Indian born American cricketer. A left-handed opening batsman and off spin bowler, he has played for the United States national cricket team from 2006 until 2015. Sushil retired from cricket in Feb 2015 and now spending his time coaching cricket to Katy youth.
When asked about the secret behind the success, KYC’s Vice President Dhaval Mehta was quick to say “All these could not be achieved and sustained without the support of parent volunteers, TCCL, HCL and our community partners Neoage Services, Subhlaxmi Grocers, and Kurry Walah restaurant for their contributions and embracing KYC philosophies”.